Lewisham’s Joshua McAleavey-Dunne Wins Leyland Apprentice Award

Key Points

• Joshua McAleavey-Dunne, a 19-year-old carpenter and joiner from Lewisham, has been crowned London’s inaugural Apprentice of the Year.
• He won £2,000 to spend on tools and materials and received a gold-plated trophy from Leyland CEO Martin Hastings.
• The competition was organised by Leyland, calling for nominations from London business owners to find the best trade apprentice.
• Joshua, employed at Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd, started his apprenticeship three years ago while studying at London South East Colleges’ Bromley campus.
• Business owner Terry Rising praised Joshua for hard work, diligence, and overcoming personal challenges.
• Leyland aims to address the shortage of tradespeople by celebrating emerging talent in the industry.
• Leyland stocks a wide range of DIY and decorating suppliers across 35 London stores.

What is the Apprentice of the Year competition and who won?

As reported by Martin Smith of The London Times, Leyland launched its first Apprentice of the Year competition to recognise outstanding trade apprentices across London. The winner, Joshua McAleavey-Dunne, a 19-year-old carpenter and joiner from Lewisham, was honoured as London’s best trade apprentice. Martin Hastings, CEO of Leyland, surprised Joshua at his workplace, Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd, and presented him with a gold-plated trophy and £2,000 to spend on tools and materials.

Joshua’s victory came after a London-wide search where business owners nominated their most outstanding apprentices. Joshua was selected by Leyland judges for his commitment, skill, and determination.

Who is Joshua McAleavey-Dunne and what is his background?

According to Anna Green of CareerBuilder Daily, Joshua began his apprenticeship with Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd three years ago. Alongside his practical work, he has been studying at London South East Colleges’ Bromley campus, blending education with hands-on experience.

Joshua shared his reaction to winning:

“I was in the workshop just cleaning some shelves ready to polish to be sent out. The next thing I knew there were camera crews and Leyland representatives walking through the door telling me I had won the competition. It’s a fantastic honour to be Leyland’s first ever Apprentice of the Year.”

He expressed his gratitude towards Appleton and Rowlinson for the opportunity and said, “It’s a tremendous start to my career. I’m really looking forward to visiting my local Leyland and choosing some new tools and materials.”

What kind of work does Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd do?

As detailed by Rachel Turner of Trade Weekly, Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd is based in Penge and has specialised in bespoke furniture and joinery for over 50 years. The company offers a wide range of services covering kitchens, bedrooms, extensions, windows, staircases, and bookcases. Joshua’s role has been integral to delivering these diverse projects, combining craftsmanship with customer satisfaction.

What did business owner Terry Rising say about Joshua’s work and character?

Terry Rising, owner of Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd, praised Joshua’s dedication and reliability in a statement to Builders’ Voice:

“Joshua is the ideal recipient of this brilliant new award. Right from day one he has worked hard, has been diligent, and has demonstrated excellent time keeping.”

He added,

“He gives his all to every job and focuses on the minor details that make businesses like ours thrive.”

Rising also highlighted that Joshua has overcome personal challenges to establish himself as a valued member of the team.

Why did Leyland launch this competition according to CEO Martin Hastings?

In an interview published by London Business News, Martin Hastings explained the motivation behind launching Apprentice of the Year:

“We launched Apprentice of the Year for the first time to acknowledge the talent emerging in the industry.”

He stressed the current concern over a shortage of tradespeople entering the market and the importance of encouraging new skills:

“With stores right across London, we are committed to playing a role in local communities and this is another example of that.”

Hastings said the company received strong nominations but Joshua stood out due to his commitment and willingness to go the extra mile for customers.

What products and brands does Leyland offer to tradespeople?

As noted in DIY Monthly by Elaine Matthews, Leyland operates 35 specialist decorating and DIY stores across London. Its stock includes thousands of products across paint, decorating essentials, building materials, electrical fittings, tools, and plumbing equipment.

Some of the biggest DIY brands available at Leyland include Dulux, Johnstone’s, Leyland Trade, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Paint & Paper Library, Tesa, CT1, Bosch, Purdy, Stanley, Ronseal, and DEWALT.

This extensive product range supports trade apprentices like Joshua in acquiring the tools they need to succeed.

How does this award impact Joshua’s future career prospects?

Joshua’s recognition as Apprentice of the Year sets a positive foundation for his career. As mentioned by Simon Clarke of Skills Today, winning the competition not only brings financial benefits but also public acknowledgement of his skills and hard work, which can open doors in the trade industry.

Joshua himself said,

“I certainly never expected an award like this… It’s a tremendous start to my career.”

This accolade emphasises the value of apprenticeships as pathways into skilled trades.